What are the most innovative transportation policy specializations?

1 Smart mobility

Smart mobility is the application of digital technologies and data analytics to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of transportation systems. Smart mobility can involve various aspects such as intelligent transportation systems, connected and autonomous vehicles, mobility as a service, smart parking, and traffic management. Smart mobility specialists need to understand how to leverage these technologies to optimize network performance, reduce environmental impacts, improve user experience, and ensure social inclusion. They also need to deal with ethical, legal, and regulatory issues that arise from the use of data and automation in transportation.

2 Active transportation

Active transportation is the use of human-powered modes of travel such as walking, cycling, scooting, or skating. Active transportation can provide multiple benefits such as improving health, reducing emissions, saving costs, and creating livable communities. Active transportation specialists need to design and implement policies and programs that can encourage and support people to choose active modes over motorized ones. They also need to coordinate with other sectors such as land use, health, education, and recreation to create a supportive environment for active transportation.

3 Transportation equity

Transportation equity is the concept of ensuring fair and just access to transportation opportunities and resources for all people, especially those who are marginalized or disadvantaged by the current system. Transportation equity can address various dimensions such as affordability, availability, accessibility, safety, and quality of transportation services and infrastructure. Transportation equity specialists need to analyze and address the root causes and impacts of transportation disparities and discrimination. They also need to engage with diverse and underrepresented communities to understand their needs and preferences and to co-create solutions that can empower them.

4 Green transportation

Green transportation is the pursuit of reducing the environmental footprint of transportation activities and enhancing the resilience of transportation systems to climate change. Green transportation can involve various strategies such as shifting to low-carbon or zero-emission modes, improving fuel efficiency and vehicle technology, promoting renewable energy sources, implementing congestion pricing and carbon taxes, and integrating natural and green infrastructure. Green transportation specialists need to evaluate and balance the environmental, economic, and social impacts of different transportation options. They also need to collaborate with other sectors such as energy, agriculture, and forestry to align transportation policies with broader sustainability goals.

5 Transportation innovation

Transportation innovation is the exploration and adoption of new or emerging modes, services, or business models that can transform the way people and goods move. Transportation innovation can include various examples such as micro-mobility, ride-hailing, car-sharing, e-commerce, drone delivery, hyperloop, and maglev. Transportation innovation specialists need to monitor and assess the potential and feasibility of these innovations and their implications for the existing transportation system. They also need to foster a culture of experimentation and learning that can support innovation while managing risks and uncertainties.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?